Tetsuya Yamagami, 45, has pled guilty to the murder of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during the first day of his trial in Tokyo. In court, Yamagami stated, everything is true, confirming his actions on that fateful day in July 2022 when he used a homemade firearm to shoot Abe while he was campaigning in Nara.
Abe, a significant figure in Japan's politics known for his assertive foreign policy and economic strategy 'Abenomics', was shot multiple times and succumbed to his injuries later that day, causing an international outcry.
Yamagami had reportedly targeted Abe due to perceived links between the prime minister and the Unification Church, which he claims financially destroyed his family. His mother allegedly donated upwards of 100 million yen (approximately $660,000) to the church, leading to significant personal ramifications for Yamagami.
The assassination has prompted an inquiry into the church's influence in Japanese politics, resulting in the resignation of multiple ministers. Most notably, a Tokyo court ruled in March to disband the Unification Church, removing its tax-exempt status and initiating asset liquidation.
Despite the controversy, Yamagami's mother maintains her allegiance to the church, asserting that the assassination has only strengthened her faith.
His trial is projected to extend until January, with the defendant disputing charges concerning violations of weapons laws. The case has led to calls for stricter regulations on homemade firearms in a country noted for its low gun violence rates.
